Systems and methods for video content association

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus are disclosed to identify and associate video content. In one implementation, a method is provided that includes requesting a webpage by a user computer and determining whether a keyword is present on the webpage requested by the user computer. Furthermore, the method includes creating a link on the webpage from the keyword to the video file and displaying the video file when the link is activated.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods forassociating content and, more particularly, to systems and methods forassociating video content with text or other static content on a webpageor other form of published media.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Content publication via the Internet is quickly becoming the primarymeans for distribution of media and information to the public. Contentpublishers, such as newspapers, magazines, authors, and reporters arenow provided with capabilities via the Internet that were never beforepossible with print media. Significantly, the Internet enables thesimultaneous distribution of text, imagery, and video in one medium.Video is a powerful from of media distribution and that drives atremendous amount of consumer interest. Rather than reading the news,more and more people are watching clips of the events that create thenews. In fact, video distribution on the Internet is growing at anexponential pace. For example, the popular www.youtube.com websiteenables the viral distribution of video content in a way that allowsviewers to upload, watch, search, rank, and comment on a virtuallyunending database of video files.

Despite the widespread availability of video content, online contentpublishers face significant problems in associating video or movingimagery with written text and/or static images. It is often difficult,time consuming, and costly for an online content publisher to determinewhich videos from a video library to associate with a particularwebpage, portion of a webpage or text within a webpage. Furthermore, asboth written content catalogues and video content catalogues areconstantly being updated, the process of association between the twobecomes a perpetual task.

Therefore, many online content publishers find that they are unable toadequately leverage their video catalog. Specifically, contentpublishers often find that conventional web development and publicationtools and software packages do not permit them to efficiently andeffectively publish, display, and associate video content on thewebpages throughout their website.

In addition to facing difficulties in publishing their video content,content publishers often face significant problems in attempting tomonetize their video catalog. For example, conventional web developmenttools and software packages do not provide a way to dynamically linkadvertisers with specific video content. Additionally, many conventionaltools do not allow content publishers to sell advertising for a specificinstance of the display of a particular video file. Additionally, manyconventional tools do not allow content publishers to sell banner ads inassociation with the display of a particular video file.

Advertisers desire the ability to spend their advertising dollars onconsumers interested in topics relevant to their goods or services. Forexample, a brokerage house, bank, or manufacturer of accounting softwaremay contract with a webpage provider to have an advertisement displayedwithin a webpage related to stock markets and financial data. The ideaaccording to this approach is that end-users are more likely to“click-through” or otherwise respond to advertisements that are closelyrelated to the content of the webpage.

In another approach, advertisements can be selected for display within awebpage substantially in real time based on demographical information ofthe particular user who is accessing the webpage. For example, each usermay be required to complete a questionnaire, provided via the Internet,as a prerequisite to receiving access to the webpage. Alternatively, aprofile may be created for a user based on the user's activities whileon-line including, for example, an indication of the webpages visited,how frequently and for how long those webpages are visited, how oftenthe user makes a purchase on-line, and any demographic information theuser supplies in the course of visiting websites. Demographicinformation may also be collected and retained by providers of webpagesthrough the use of “cookies”. The idea according to this approach isthat end-users are more likely to “click-through” or otherwise respondto advertisements that are closely related to the user's interests andcharacteristics. Advertises desire the ability to leverage such userdata in connection with the delivery of video footage.

Content publishers desire a tool or application that can enable them toleverage the full capability of their video catalogues. Furthermore,content publishers desire to have the ability to connect advertisers toconsumer interest in specific portions of the content publisher's videocatalogue. In view of the foregoing, it would be advantageous to providean improved system and method for video content association.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes systems and methods to associate videocontent. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides amethod for associating video content involving the steps of requesting awebpage by a user computer and determining whether a keyword is presenton the webpage requested by the user computer. Furthermore, the methodincludes the step of creating a link on the webpage from the keyword tothe video file. Additionally, the method involves displaying the videofile when the link is activated.

In addition to methods for associating video content, the presentinvention provides a system for video content association. The systemfor video content association includes at least one video file stored ina database. Furthermore, the system for video content associationincludes a video association controller configured to receive a requestfor video content association when a webpage is requested by a usercomputer and to determine whether the webpage contains at least onekeyword. Furthermore, the video association controller is configured todisplay a link on the webpage from the at least one keyword to the atleast one video file.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent upon reading the followingspecification in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 provides an illustration of the architecture for a system forvideo content association 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 2 provides an illustration of a block diagram of the method forassociating video content 200 in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 3A provides an illustration of webpage 305 modified by the systemfor video content association 100 in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B provides an illustration of webpage 332 modified by the systemfor video content association 100 in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3C provides an illustration of webpage 340 modified by the systemfor video content association 100 in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 provides an illustration of the architecture for a system forvideo content association 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 5 provides an illustration of the architecture for a system forvideo content association 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention addresses the deficiencies in the prior artconcerning the ability of publishers to display, target and monetizevideo catalogues. Significantly, the present invention provides methodsand apparatus for efficient and effective association of video contentto static webpage content. A system for video content associationprovided in accordance with the present invention is enabled toeffectively respond to requests for particular webpages and dynamicallylink videos to content contained within the individual webpage.Additionally, the present invention overcomes the drawbacks of theconventional methods and systems in the prior art and provides systemsand methods to automatically associate video content with a publishedwebpage and permit real time modification and optimization of that videoassociation.

In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a method forassociating video content involving the steps of requesting a webpage bya user computer and determining whether a keyword is present on thewebpage requested by the user computer. Furthermore, the method includesthe step of creating a link on the webpage from the keyword to the videofile. Additionally, the method involves displaying the video file whenthe link is activated.

In addition to methods for associating video content, the presentinvention provides a system for video content association. The systemfor video content association includes at least one video file stored ina database. Furthermore, the system for video content associationincludes a video association controller configured to receive a requestfor video content association when a webpage is requested by a usercomputer and to determine whether the webpage contains at least onekeyword. Furthermore, the video association controller is configured todisplay a link on the webpage from the at least one keyword to the atleast one video file.

The systems and methods of the present invention present many advantagesover the prior art. Content publishers face significant difficulty inattempting to associate dynamic content, like videos and audio, withstatic content, like text and graphics. The present invention provides,among other things, a system for video content association 100 thatenables a content publisher to leverage their video catalogue with thestrength of their static content, such as a text article. Therefore, auser can be enabled to search text for a relevant article and then bepresented with a catalogue of related and associated video files.Additionally, the various embodiments of the system for video contentassociation 100 can enable the content publisher to monetize their videocatalogues by enabling the content publisher to sell advertising relatedto and associated with the subject, theme, or category of a given videofile or group of video files.

FIG. 1 provides an illustration of the architecture for a system forvideo content association 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the system for videocontent association 100 can be configured in communication with anetwork, such as the Internet 110. This connection to the Internet 110enables communication with a variety of other associated or independentdevices and networks. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, aseries of content publishers 115 can be connected to the Internet 110.Additionally, a user computer 120 can be connected to the Internet 100.Thereby, the system for video content association 100 is permitted tocommunicate with both the content publishers 115 and the user computer120. Each of user computer(s) 120, content publishers 115, and systemfor video content association 100 may be in electrical communicationwith Internet 110 via a suitable communications capability such as, forexample, a cable or satellite connection, a local area network (“LAN”),any other suitable wired, wireless, or optical connection, or acombination thereof.

The exemplary embodiment of the user computer 120 shown in FIG. 1 mayinclude any suitable computing equipment for accessing content (e.g.,webpages) over the Internet 110 and displaying video to end user(s) atuser computer 120. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 1, user computer 120 can be a desktop computer. In other examples,user computer 120 can be a laptop computer, telephone (e.g., mobilephone), personal digital assistant (“PDA”), BlackBerry device, or anyother suitable computing device. User computer 120 can have a webbrowser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, Mozilla Firefox)operating thereon for facilitating communications over Internet 110. Theweb browser may access and read marked-up documents (e.g., HTMLdocuments) from, for example, content publishers 115 and then translateand render those documents into webpages that can be viewed by end usersat user computer 120. Although only one user computer 120 is shown inFIG. 1, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the system forvideo content association 100 can be in communication with multiple usercomputers.

In an exemplary embodiment, each content publisher 115 can be apublisher of webpage(s) over Internet 110. For example, and notlimitation, one content publisher may be the computing systemresponsible for publishing the webpages viewable at www.cnn.com. Anothercontent publisher may be the computing system responsible for publishingthe webpages viewable at www.espn.com. Each content publisher 115 mayinclude one or more web servers for receiving and responding to requestsfrom user computers 120 for access to the webpage(s) provided by thecontent publisher. End users of user computers 120 may request access toa given webpage by, for example, typing the Universal Resource Locator(“URL”) for that webpage into an address region of a web browser displayor by selecting a link for the webpage from a list of search results(e.g., Google search results).

In an exemplary embodiment, the system for video content association 100can provide a video association controller 105. The video associationcontroller 105 in an exemplary embodiment can enable the dynamicassociation of video content with a webpage. As shown in FIG. 1, thevideo association controller 105 can be configured to receive a requestfor content association via a connection to the Internet 110 by thesystem for video content association 100. In an exemplary embodiment,the request for content association can be automatically generated whena user computer 120 requests a webpage from content publisher 115 viathe Internet 110. Embedded within the code for the webpage can be ascript that can transmit a request for content association to the videoassociation controller 105 of the system for video content association100 in an exemplary embodiment. In response to a request for contentassociation the video association controller 105 can enable adetermination to be made as to whether certain video content can beassociated with the webpage initializing the request for contentassociation. If the determination is made by the video associationcontroller 105 that certain video content should be associated with aparticular webpage, then links can be created on that particularwebpage, in an exemplary embodiment, to the selected video content.

Significantly, the video association controller 105 of the system forvideo content association 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the present invention can enable the real time association of videocontent to webpages requested by a user computer. For example, and notlimitation, a user computer 120 can request a particular webpage from acontent publisher 115. In real time, the video association controller105 can be engaged to respond to an automatically generated request forcontent association resulting from the request of the webpage of thecontent publisher 115. The video association controller 105 can make areal time determination as to what videos to associate with a particularwebpage and enable links to be displayed to the appropriate videos onthe webpage simultaneously or within moments of the display of thewebpage on the user computer 120.

FIG. 2 provides an illustration of a block diagram of the method forassociating video content 200 in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the requesting step 205 ofthe method for associating video content 200 involves the request of awebpage by a user computer. In an exemplary embodiment, the usercomputer requests a particular webpage upon the initiation of a requestby a user clicking on a link or entering a Uniform Resources Locator(“URL”) into a browser running on the user computer. In alternativeembodiment, the user computer requests a particular webpage in responseto an automatic webpage request from an application or tool running onthe user computer. Once a webpage has been requested, the determiningstep 210 of an exemplary embodiment of the method for associating videocontent 200 involves determining whether a keyword is present on thewebpage requested by the user computer.

The determining step 210 can be performed based upon a pre-storedparsing of the webpage or can be based upon a real time parsing of thewebpage. In an exemplary embodiment, the determining step is executed byaccessing a keyword association list for the particular webpagerequested. The keyword association list in this exemplary embodiment canbe based upon a previously performed parsing of the webpage. Thereby, inthis exemplary embodiment, a database can store numerous keywordassociation lists for numerous webpages. Thus, the determining step 210in an exemplary embodiment of the method for associating video content200 can simply involve accessing the stored keyword association list fora given webpage. The keyword association list in an exemplary embodimentcan provide a list of the keywords contained in a particular webpage andlinks to one or more video files to be associated with each keyword.

In an alternative embodiment, the determining step 210 can involveparsing the requested webpage in real time with the request for thewebpage. Therefore, in this alternative embodiment the determining step210 requires the requested webpage to be parsed by a content parser togenerate a keyword association list. The determining step 210 in thisalternative embodiment can be synchronously generated in response to therequest from the user computer for the webpage or asynchronouslygenerated.

Upon completion of the determining step 210, the exemplary embodiment ofthe method for associating video content 200 involves the creating step215, whereby a link is created on the requested webpage from a keywordto a video file. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that manycombinations of keywords and links can be created on the webpage. Forexample, and not limitation, one keyword can link to multiple videofiles. Additionally, a keyword may link to a separate video player inwhich the user can select from multiple associated video files.Furthermore, more than one keyword may link to the same video file orvideo players.

In an exemplary embodiment, the creating step 215 can occurasynchronously to the rendering of the webpage on the user computerdisplay. In this exemplary embodiment, the creating step 215 can createlinks on the webpage some period of time, such as one to two seconds,after a webpage has been downloaded and rendered on the user computerdisplay. In an alternative embodiment, the creating step 215 can occursynchronously with the rendering of the webpage.

After the creating step 215 is completed, the exemplary embodiment ofthe method for associating video content 200 involves the displayingstep 220 of displaying a video file when the link created in thecreating step 215 is activated. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, theuser can click on the link provided on the webpage in the creating step215 and cause a video file to be displayed. Those of skill in the artwill appreciate that the video can be displayed in a variety of wayswithout detracting from the scope of the invention. In one embodiment,the displaying step 220 provides an in-browser frame to display thevideo, such that the video is overlaid on top of a portion of thecurrently displayed webpage. In another embodiment, a separate browserwindow can be activated to display the video content. Additionally, inyet another embodiment an in-browser video player is displayed over theexisting webpage that displays the video along with other graphics,video, links and other data.

The various embodiments of the system for video content association 100and the method for associating video content 200 enabled by the presentinvention provide many significant benefits. Notably, the system forvideo content association 100 provides the content publisher with apowerful tool to leverage video content of the content publisher. In anexemplary embodiment, the content publisher can rely upon the system forvideo content association 100 to dynamically associate video contentwith the textual content of the content publisher's ever changingdatabase of webpages. Content publishers often face a tremendouschallenge in attempting to marry relevant video content with textualcontent. This is especially difficult when textual content and videocontent are being constantly being added to a website at differenttimes. For example, and not limitation, the author of a news article forwww.cnn.com may not be aware of or have access to the www.cnn.com videocontent associated with her news article. Additionally, this videocontent may not be available on the website until some time period afterthe news article has published. An exemplary embodiment of the systemfor video content association 100 allows for video content to be linkedto this exemplary news article as the video content becomes available.In a non-limiting example, a breaking news story regarding a largecorporate merger could be released in a text based news article onwww.cnn.com at the moment the news breaks. As footage regarding themerger, such as comments from each company's CEO, becomes added to thewww.cnn.com database, this video content could be associated to keywordscontained in the text based news article webpage. Therefore, a userviewing the text based news article webpage could be provided withinstant in-browser access to numerous videos related to the news articlethat became available after the news article published.

The dynamic video content association ability provided by the variousembodiments of the method for associating video content 200 and systemfor video content association 100 enables many advantages over the priorart. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, the system for video content association 100 can enable viralvideo content association, wherein video content is associated with awebpage based upon user collected data. For example, and not limitation,an exemplary embodiment the system for video content association 100 canbe configured to track and store viral information regarding user'sactivation of certain video content. Thereby, the system for videocontent association 100 can modify the video content association suchthat popular videos are associated more often or given a higher priorityin the displayed video player. An exemplary embodiment of the system forvideo content association 100 can track all user data associated withthe video content association, such as which keywords created the mosthits for video content and what video content was watch the most oftenor for the longest periods of time. In an exemplary embodiment, thesystem for video content association 100 can assign a relevancy score toeach video file depending on user activity with respect to that file. Inthe non-limiting example provided above regarding the news article onthe large corporate merger, the system for video content association 100can track which video file was watched the longest and then associatethat video file with a broader range of keywords or additional webpages.Those of skill in the art will appreciate that this is just one exampleof numerous ways in which viral user data can be relied upon by thesystem for video content association 100 to dynamically andintelligently alter or configure the association of video content.

FIG. 3A provides an illustration of webpage 305 modified by the systemfor video content association 100 in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3A, a webpage 305can be modified by an exemplary embodiment of the system for videocontent association 100. The webpage 305 illustrated in FIG. 3A isprovided on a travel website, that provides travel information, travelfeatures, and other travel information. The particular webpage 305 shownin FIG. 3A provides a travel article entitled “California, USA.” Thisarticle describes surfing on the “beaches of Southern California.”Additionally, the article of webpage 305 discusses other surfingdestinations, such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, and South Africa. Inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the system for video contentassociation 100, the webpage 305 has been modified to include links fromcertain keywords to certain video content. As shown in FIG. 3A, threekeywords 310, 315, and 320 on webpage 305 provide links to videocontent. More particularly, keyword “California” has been displayed onthe webpage 305 with a dashed underlining and a small video icon to theright of the keyword. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 3A,the system for video content association 100 modifies the webpage 305 toinclude this dashed underlining and small video icon for each keyword.The user can then be enabled to activate the links shown on the keywordsto view the associated video content.

In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 3A, the system for videocontent association 100 enables a video player 325 to be displayedin-browser when one of the keyword links, 310, 315, or 320, is activatedby a user. In one embodiment, the keyword links, 310, 315, or 320, canbe activated by clicking the keyword or the video icon. In anotherembodiment, the keyword links, 310, 315, or 320, can be activated simplyby a mouse-over of the keyword link. When one of the keyword links, 310,315, or 320, is activated, the video player 325 can pop-up within theexisting frame of the browser. In the exemplary embodiment depicted inFIG. 3A, the user can be enabled to move the video player 325 framewithin the frame of the browser. In this embodiment the user canposition the video player 325 in the desired area of the browser so thatit is not covering up an area of interest on the webpage 305.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A, the video player 325provides a number of different features to the user. The video player325 provides inset frame for the video to be viewed and also providescontrol features to pause, fast forward, rewind, and adjust the volumeof the video. Additionally, the video player 325 can provide links tocertain other video content. The video player 325 depicted in FIG. 3Awas activated in response to the user mousing-over the “South Africa”keyword link 315. When keyword link 315 is activated, the video player325 can pop up within the browser and begin playing videos relevant tothe keyword “South Africa.” As shown in FIG. 3A, the video beingdisplayed in the exemplary embodiment of the video player 325 relates toa medicine man from Cape Town, South Africa. The exemplary embodiment ofthe video player 325 also provides additional links to other videocontent relating to the “South Africa” keyword link 315, such as a videoregarding “Cape Town” generally.

In an exemplary embodiment, the system for video content association 100can provide for the display of a wide variety of advertising to theuser. Therefore, the content publisher can be provided with anadditional means of generating advertising revenue by an exemplaryembodiment of the system for video content association 100. In theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the video player 325 provides abanner 330 at the bottom of the player 325. This banner 330 can providegraphics relevant to the content publisher's website or advertisements.For example, and not limitation, the content publisher could generaterevenue by selling the banner 330 to advertisers. Significantly, thesystem for video content association 100 can enable targeted and focusedmarketing by enabling advertisements to be correlated with the keywordsor topics relating to a requested or displayed video file. For example,and not limitation, banner 330 in FIG. 3A could be filled with anadvertisement relating to the “South Africa” keyword link 315 thatgenerated the video play. In an Ex, banner 330 can be sold by anadvertising auction program to bidders interested in a particularkeyword. Thereby, in an exemplary embodiment, the system for videocontent association 100 can enable intelligent advertising based onkeyword association.

In addition to advertising banners, like banner 330, the system forvideo content association 100 can enable the placement of videoadvertisements. For example, and not limitation, the video player 325can be configured to display pre-roll advertisement prior to the displayof a linked video file. Similarly, the video player 325 can beconfigured to display post-roll advertisement after the display of alinked video file. Furthermore, the video player 325 can be configuredto display mid-roll advertisement during the display of a linked videofile or suitable video based advertisement. As with the advertisementbanners, the system for video content association 100 can enable thesepre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll video advertisements to be purchasedwith a real time and dynamic advertisement auction program.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the exemplary embodiment of video player 325provides an exit button so that the user may close the video player 325frame when the user has completed watching the video or is finished withthe video player 325. In an exemplary embodiment, once the video player325 has been collapsed, the user can then click or mouse-over anotherkeyword link 310 or 320 to prompt the display of another video or videosin a new video player 325. In a non-limiting example the user can bepermitted to mouse-over other keyword links while the video player 325is active to prompt the display of a different set of videos withoutcollapsing the originally shown video player 325.

FIG. 3B provides an illustration of webpage 332 modified by the systemfor video content association 100 in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3B, a webpage 332can be modified by an exemplary embodiment of the system for videocontent association 100. FIG. 3B provides an illustration of a webpagemodified by the system for video content association 100 in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG.3B, a webpage 332 can be modified by an exemplary embodiment of thesystem for video content association 100. The webpage 332 illustrated inFIG. 3B is provided on a news website, that provides informationregarding a variety of different news topics. The particular webpage 332shown in FIG. 3B provides an entertainment news article regarding ParisHilton's release from jail. In accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the system for video content association 100, the webpage 332 hasbeen modified to include links from certain keywords to certain videocontent. As shown in FIG. 3B, a keyword 335 on webpage 332 can providelinks to video content. More particularly, keyword “jail” 335 has beendisplayed on the webpage 305 with a dashed underlining and a small videoicon to the right of the keyword. In the exemplary embodiment depictedin FIG. 3B, the system for video content association 100 modifies thewebpage 332 to include this dashed underlining and small video icon foreach keyword. The user can then be enabled to activate the links shownon the keywords to view the associated video content.

In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 3B, the system for videocontent association 100 enables a video player 325 to be displayedin-browser when the keyword 335 is activated by a user. In oneembodiment, the keyword 335 can be activated by clicking the keyword orthe video icon. In another embodiment, the keyword 335 can be activatedsimply by a mouse-over of the keyword link. When the keyword 335 isactivated, the video player 325 can pop-up within the existing frame ofthe browser. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 3B, the videoplayer 325 displays both the video content associated with keyword 335and links to other related video content. As shown in FIG. 3B, the videoplayer 325 provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thesystem for video content association 100 can be configured to complimentthe style, look, and feel of the website 332. Thus, the video player 325can appear seamless to the website 332 user.

FIG. 3C provides an illustration of webpage 340 modified by the systemfor video content association 100 in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3C, a webpage 340can be modified by an exemplary embodiment of the system for videocontent association 100. As shown in FIG. 3C, a webpage 340 can bemodified by an exemplary embodiment of the system for video contentassociation 100. FIG. 3C provides an illustration of a webpage modifiedby the system for video content association 100 in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3C, awebpage 340 can be modified by an exemplary embodiment of the system forvideo content association 100. The webpage 340 illustrated in FIG. 3C isprovided on a news website, that provides information regarding avariety of different news topics. The particular webpage 340 shown inFIG. 3C provides an news article entitled, “U.A Airstrikes TargetMilitants.” In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the system forvideo content association 100, the webpage 340 has been modified toinclude links from certain keywords to certain video content. As shownin FIG. 3C, a keyword 345 on webpage 332 can provide links to videocontent. More particularly, keyword “Iraq” 345 has been displayed on thewebpage 340 with a dashed underlining and a small icon to the right ofthe keyword. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 3C, the systemfor video content association 100 modifies the webpage 340 to includethis dashed underlining and small video icon for each keyword. The usercan then be enabled to activate the links shown on the keywords to viewthe associated video content.

In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 3C, the system for videocontent association 100 enables a video player 325 to be displayedin-browser when the keyword 345 is activated by a user. In oneembodiment, the keyword 345 can be activated by clicking the keyword orthe video icon. In another embodiment, the keyword 345 can be activatedsimply by a mouse-over of the keyword link. When the keyword 345 isactivated, the video player 325 can pop-up within the existing frame ofthe browser. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 3C, the videoplayer 325 displays both the video content associated with keyword 345and links to other related video content.

FIG. 4 provides an illustration of the architecture for a system forvideo content association 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, an exemplary embodiment ofthe system for video content association 100 can provide many variouscontrollers, modules, and components. As shown, the system for videocontent association 100 can provide a video association controller 105in an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the videoassociation controller 105 can enable the dynamic association of videocontent with keywords on published webpages. For example, the videoassociation controller 105 can be configured to receive a request from auser computer 120 for content association. The video associationcontroller 105 can then make a determination as to whether certain videocontent can be associated with the webpage initializing the request forcontent association. If the determination is made by the videoassociation controller 105 that certain video content should beassociated with a particular webpage, then the video associationcontroller 105 in an exemplary embodiment can render links on thatparticular webpage to the selected video content.

The video association controller 105 can rely upon one or more primarymedia controllers to process requests for content association and makedeterminations about the videos that are to be linked to a givenwebpage. The video association controller 105 can enable the real timerendering of keyword links on webpages. For example, the videoassociation controller 105 can store or provide access to stored keywordassociation lists. In an exemplary embodiment, a keyword associationlist is created upon the analysis or parsing of a webpage. Therefore, awebpage can be parsed to determine what keywords are contained on thewebpage and what relevant video content should be associated with thosekeywords. For example, and not limitation, the video associationcontroller 105 can contain databases with numerous keyword associationlists for numerous webpages. In an exemplary embodiment, reliance uponthese predetermined keyword association lists can enable the videoassociation controller 105 to render video content links on webpage inreal time with a user's request for a webpage. In a non-limitingexample, the user requests a webpage and shortly after the webpage isdownloaded and displayed on the user computer 120, the video associationcontroller 105 alters the display of the webpage to contain a number ofdifferent keyword links.

One of the significant advantages of an exemplary embodiment of thesystem for video content association 100 is that the video associationcontroller 105 can intelligently and dynamically modify, in real time,the video content, advertising content, on other data that is to beassociated with a particular keyword on a particular webpage. In anexemplary embodiment, selection of video content and advertising contentby the video association controller 105 can be done based upon a yieldoptimization algorithm. In an exemplary embodiment, the yieldoptimization algorithm relies upon a set of criteria to prioritize thevideo content, advertising content, on other data to be displayed to theuser.

For example, and not limitation, the yield optimization algorithm can beconfigured to give priority to video content that has been watched byusers, on average, for longer lengths of time than other video content.Additionally, the yield optimization algorithm can be configured to givepriority to advertising content that generated the most user clicks.Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the yield optimizationalgorithm can rely upon a set of criteria that incorporates a number ofvarious types of parameters and prioritizes each criterion in apredetermined manner. Thus, video content and advertising content can beselected by an exemplary embodiment of the video association controller105 according to an analysis of priority assignments to multiplecriteria.

For example, and not limitation, the video association controller 105can implement the yield optimization algorithm to display a videocontent file that has generated the most interest within the last fewhours. As user interest changes rapidly, the video associationcontroller 105 of an exemplary embodiment of system for video contentassociation 100 can dynamically adapt the video content and advertisingcontent associated with certain keywords on particular webpages inaccordance with changes in user interest. In an non-limiting example, acontent publisher may decided that relevancy is the most criticalcriteria for video content and advertising content association on thecontent publisher's webpage. Therefore, in this non-limiting example,the video association controller 105 can implement a yield optimizationalgorithm that assigns priority based solely on relevancy criteria. Inanother embodiment, the video association controller 105 can implement ayield optimization algorithm that assigns priority based solely onadvertising revenue criteria.

In an exemplary embodiment, the video association controller 105 canimplement a yield optimization algorithm that controls all of thecontent displayed in a video player 325. Therefore, the yieldoptimization algorithm can control the particular video content filethat is first displayed when a video player 325 is displayed in responseto the activation of a keyword. Furthermore, the yield optimizationalgorithm in an exemplary embodiment can dictate the particular videocontent files that are shown as links in the video player 325.Additionally, the yield optimization algorithm in an exemplaryembodiment can dictate the advertising graphic that is displayed in aparticular video player 325. For example, and not limitation, the videoplayer 325 can display video content with a higher priority designationat a higher location on the video content link list shown in the videoplayer 325.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the stored keywordassociation lists can be constantly updated and modified by the videoassociation controller 105. For example, and not limitation, the videoassociation controller 105 can associate and prioritize video content inaccordance viral information regarding user activity. In this exemplaryembodiment, the video association controller 105 can associate a videofile that has been played on average for a longer time that other videofiles in the past two hours. Alternatively, the video associationcontroller 105 in an exemplary embodiment can associate a video filethat has generated the most advertising revenue in the past 30 minutes,through clicks or other revenue generation features. Those of skill inthe art will appreciate that the set of criteria on which videoassociation controller 105 can make video content associations can be awide variety of parameters or set of parameters, such as user data,content publisher data, advertising data, website data, or otherinformation.

For example, and not limitation, the video association controller 105can modify a keyword association list by the time of day, such thatcertain video content is linked at appropriate times of the day. In anon-limiting example, the video association controller 105 can renderkeyword links on a webpage relating to “Napa Valley” to videos ofvineyard tours and sightseeing locations in the daytime and then renderkeyword links to videos of gourmet dinners and wine tastings in theevening. In another example, video association controller 105 can altervideo content based on geographic information regarding the user, suchas showing different videos to users on the West Coast as opposed tousers on the East Coast. In this manner, an exemplary embodiment of thevideo association controller 105 can provide video content associationin accordance with a large variety of different parameters, such as userdata, content rankings, date of content, content sponsorship, and otherparameters. Thereby, in an exemplary embodiment, the video associationcontroller 105 can be configured to associate video content in a mannerthat drives the most incremental views for a video database andsubstantial revenue for the content publisher.

In addition to controlling the video content associated with a givenkeyword on a webpage, an exemplary embodiment of the video associationcontroller 105 can render keyword links and video players on contentpublisher's webpage in a manner that is consistent with the style of thecontent publisher's website. Therefore, the exemplary embodiment of thevideo association controller 105 can store look and feel templates forcertain websites to receive commands from the video associationcontroller 105. In a non-limiting example, the video associationcontroller 105 could store a template consistent with the styling andfunctionality of the www.msn.com website. In this example, the videoassociation controller 105 could rely upon www.msn.com templates tocreate keyword links on the webpages of the www.msn.com website that areconsistent with the style of the website. Additionally, the videoassociation controller 105 can provide a video player to be displayedover the webpage that is consistent with the style and formatting of thewebsite. Therefore, the rendered webpage modifications enabled by thevideo association controller 105 can seamlessly appear within and inassociation with website.

In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the video associationcontroller 105 provides a database for the storage of static assets,such as the video files, templates, and keyword association lists. Inthis architecture, the video association controller 105 can be providedwith convenient and efficient access to the video file library. In analternative embodiment, the video association controller 105communicates with an external module that stores the video file library.

As shown in FIG. 4, an exemplary embodiment of the system for videocontent association 100 can include a content parser 125. The contentparser 125 can enable the parsing the webpages of content publisherwebpages. In an exemplary embodiment, the content parser 125 can enablea webpage to be parsed to analyze the content of the webpage todetermine whether relevant keywords or other targets exist on thewebpage. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that while thediscussion herein focuses on video content with keywords, the videocontent can be associated with many other aspects of the webpage,including graphics, icons, logos, or other targets. The content parser125 can generate the keyword association list in an exemplary embodimentof the system for video content association 100.

In this embodiment, the content parser 125 can provide one or more mediaanalysis servers to analyze webpage for keyword targets. If a keywordtargets is discovered on a webpage during the parsing process, the mediaanalysis server can initially determine the relevant video content to beassociated with that particular keyword. Subsequently, the mediaanalysis server can generate the keyword association list thatassociates a keyword with a one or more video files. For example, andnot limitation, if the media analysis server of the content parser 125discovers the keyword “surfing” on a webpage, then the media analysiscan create an entry in the keyword association list that associates thisinstance with the keyword “surfing,” with a number of different surfing,beach or sport related videos. The content parser 125 can be configuredto generate keyword association lists according to a variety ofparameters, such that videos are assigned by themes, subjects, authors,or other types of groupings or associations.

The content parser 125 in an exemplary embodiment can constantly updateits resources to provide for better and more intelligent association ofvideo content. Therefore, as changes are made to the video libraryavailable for content association, the content parser 125 candynamically alter previous and future content associations based onthose changes. For example, if a new library of documentaries regardingendangered animals is added to the video library available to the systemfor video content association 100, the content parser 125 candynamically alter its analysis and content associations such thatkeywords relating to the endangered animals can be linked to therelevant endangered animal video footage. It is this significantcapability that permits a content publisher to dynamically and rapidlyleverage the video content of a particular website. Simply by tagging aparticular piece of video footage and placing it in the video libraryavailable to the system for video content association 100, the contentpublisher can instantly have that video associated with relevant contentthroughout the entire website of the content publisher.

In an alternative embodiment, the content parser 125 does not actuallyperform the process of video content association. Rather, the contentparser 125 simply indexes the keywords contained in a particularwebpage. In this embodiment, the video association controller 105 can beenabled to obtain these indexed lists from the content parser 125regarding particular webpages and then the video association controller105 can configure the video content to be associated with the variouskeywords on a webpage.

As shown in FIG. 4, an exemplary embodiment of the system for videocontent association 100 can also provide a tracking controller 410. Thetracking controller 410 in an exemplary embodiment can be configured totrack a large variety of data relating to the delivery and display ofvideo content associations and video content. In an non-limitingexample, the system for video content association 100 can be configuredsuch that data is automatically sent from the user computer 120 to thetracking controller 410. The tracking controller 410 can be anindependent device or one configured with other components of the systemfor video content association 100. The tracking controller 410 canprovide one or more media tracking servers. In an exemplary embodiment,the media tracking servers can store all user level entries with respectto video content association on a webpage displayed on the user computer120, such as whether a keyword link was activated by the user, whatvideos were played by the user, how long or how many times the videoswere watched, how long the videos were paused, what videos lead toadditional video file display, and a variety of other user data. Inaddition to tracking user activities, the tracking controller 410 in anexemplary embodiment can be configured to monitor and store datarelating to delivery of video association content by the videoassociation controller 105. Therefore, in this embodiment, the trackingcontroller 410 can monitor how many webpages were modified by the videoassociation controller 105, how many keyword links were displayed oneach modified webpage, and any errors or malfunctions that occurred inthe delivery.

The system for video content association 100 can also provide theability to interact with an advertising system 405 in an exemplaryembodiment. In one embodiment, the advertising system 405 can be a thirdparty system entirely independent and separate from the system for videocontent association 100. In alternative embodiments, the advertisingsystem 405 can be partially or fully incorporated into the system forvideo content association 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the advertisingsystem 405 exists independent of the system for video contentassociation 100 but can be enabled to work cooperatively with the systemfor video content association 100. As previously described, the videoassociation controller 105 in an exemplary embodiment can enable a videoplayer to be displayed on the user computer 120. In some embodiments,this video player is enabled to display advertising graphics and thevideos displayed to the user can contain pre-roll, mid-roll, andpost-roll advertising during the play of the associated video content.In an exemplary embodiment, the placement and selection of thisadvertising can be facilitated by the advertising system 405.

For example, and not limitation, the advertising system 405 candynamically provide the banner advertising to be displayed in the videoplayer according to an advertisement auction program. Therefore, in thisexample, the advertising system 405 enables entities to bid on keywordassociation through an advertisement auction program. In a non-limitingexample, a real time auction can be conducted for the keyword “CapeTown,” and the advertising system 405 can enable the highest bidder forthis keyword to have their advertising displayed by the video player.Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the advertising system405 can determine which advertisements are shown, manage the advertisinglistings, administer advertising budgets, and perform other advertisingadministration, delivery, and management functions.

In an exemplary embodiment of the system for video content association100, the management and administration module 420 can implement some ofthe basic functions of content association. For example and notlimitation, the management and administration module 420 can provide thereporting for the system for video content association 100, includingreporting user activity and revenue associated with that user activity.In an non-limiting example, the reporting information generated by themanagement and administration module 420 can include a determination ofthe length that a particular piece of video content was played by aparticular user. Additionally, the reporting information provided by anexemplary embodiment of the management and administration module 420 candetail the clicks made by the user with respect to the video content,such as clicks on links provided inside the video player 325.

Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the management andadministration module 420 of the system for video content association100 can perform video cataloging functions. In an exemplary embodiment,the management and administration module 420 can include a catalogingprocess module 425 enabled to define keywords, provide for editorialapproval of video content, and perform certain steps of the keywordassociation with video content. An exemplary embodiment of themanagement and administration module 420 can include a template wizard.In this exemplary embodiment, the template wizard can be enabled tocreate custom skins and styles for particular video players. Thetemplate wizard, in an exemplary embodiment, can create a video playerwith a style that comports to a particular website. Furthermore, themanagement and administration module 420 can include a queue designer toprovide a list of available video content made available by a contentpublisher.

In an exemplary embodiment, the system for video content association 100can include a data warehouse 415 providing a Extraction, Transfer, andLoad (“ETL”) module. In an exemplary embodiment, the ETL module canenable video content and other data to extracted, transferred, andloaded from various content publisher databases to the data warehouse415 of the system for video content association 100. The ETL module, inan exemplary embodiment, can also format and amended the video contentto be stored and provided in predetermined formats. Additionally, thedata warehouse 415 of an exemplary embodiment of the system for videocontent association 100 can provide an On-Line Analytical Processing(“OLAP”) module to enable a wide variety of the video content formats tobe interpreted and processed. In an exemplary embodiment, the OLAPmodule can enable video content and other data to be grouped in cubes toenables queries to be efficiently performed on the data.

Exemplary Embodiment of a Method for Associating Video Content 200

The architecture of the exemplary embodiment of the system for videocontent association 100 shown in FIG. 4 enables the execution of anumber of different embodiments of the method for associating videocontent 200. The steps outlined below outline the flow of an exemplaryembodiment of the method for associating video content 200:

Method Flow

-   -   Webpage loads in user's browser on user computer.    -   Request is automatically sent upon request of webpage to the        video association controller 105 of the system for video content        association 100.    -   Video association controller 105 determines if the webpage has        already been processed by the content parser 125.    -   If the webpage has not been parsed by the content parser 125,        then:        -   The content parser 125 parses the content and creates a new            keyword association list for the webpage.        -   At regular intervals, the content parser 125 can check for            new webpages, downloads their content, and review the            content for potential relationships.        -   Content parser 125 records available relationships in the            database for later video association controller 105            consumption.    -   If the requested webpage has been processed by the content        parser 125, the video association controller 105 can use        exponentially weighted averages considering both relevancy and        performance to determine which words to highlight and videos to        show.    -   Video association controller 105 sends display instructions back        to user's browser.    -   The user's browser processes the video association controller        105 response and highlights words appropriately and initializes        the system that will display a video player overlay upon keyword        activation (click or mouse-over).    -   Upon return of video association controller 105 response, user        browser starts sending regular information to tracking        controller 410 describing user interactions with the highlighted        keywords.    -   User interacts with a highlighted keyword.    -   Video player overlay displays on the user's browser view.    -   Video player overlay renders custom-designed publisher styles.    -   Browser code sends information about page, section, highlight        phrase, and related videos to the advertising system 405 and        requests ad package.    -   Advertising system 405 reviews existing rules and available        listings/budgets and returns an ad package.    -   Video player renders ad package from advertising controller 405        within and among the existing playlist.    -   Video player overlay and library code continues to inform        tracking controller 410 about user interactions including        content consumption, overlay display time, and clicks.

FIG. 5 provides an illustration of the architecture for a system forvideo content association 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the present invention. The system for video content association 100layout depicted in FIG. 5 provides a illustration of interconnectivityand communications between the components of an exemplary embodiment ofthe system for video content association 100. As shown in FIG. 5, theuser computer 120 can communicate directly with the video associationcontroller 105 to send requests for video content association andreceive commands from the video association controller 105. In thisexemplary embodiment, the video association controller 105 can thencommunicate with the data warehouse 415 to retrieve keyword associationlists for requested webpages and the video content to be served inresponse to the user computer request. Thereby, the video associationcontroller 105 can communicate directly with the user computer 120 torender the appropriate keyword links on the webpage displayed on theuser computer 120.

As shown in FIG. 5, the content parser 125 can be configured tocommunicate with the content publishers 115. In this embodiment, thecontent parser 125 can retrieve new and newly updated webpages from thecontent publishers 115 for parsing. The content parser 125 is furtherprovided in communication with the data warehouse 415 in the exemplaryembodiment depicted in FIG. 5. The content parser 125 can be configuredto transfer the keyword association lists created from the parsing ofwebpages to the data warehouse 415 for storage and retrieval by thevideo association controller 105. The exemplary embodiment of the systemfor video content association 100 shown in FIG. 5 can also provide anadvertising system 405. The advertising system 405 can be enabled tocommunicate advertising data and instructions to the video associationcontroller 105 for display in the video player. The advertising system405 can also be configured to receive advertising data and instructionsfrom third party advertising servers. Furthermore, the exemplaryembodiment can provide a tracking controller 410 in direct communicationwith the user computer 120. Through this direct link, the trackingcontroller 410 can be configured to monitor user activity with regard tothe content association rendered by the video association controller105.

While the invention has been disclosed in its preferred forms, it willbe apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications,additions, and deletions can be made therein without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth inthe following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for associating video content, the method comprising the following operations performed by at least one processor: receiving a request for a webpage from a user computer, the webpage containing textual content related to a topic; determining whether at least one keyword is present on the webpage requested by the user computer by comparing the textual content to a keyword association list for the webpage, the keyword association list created in accordance with a yield optimization algorithm; identifying a priority ranking of a plurality of video files associated with the at least one keyword based on tracked user data associated with the video files; selecting a video file having a highest priority ranking based on the tracked user data; modifying the requested webpage by creating a link on the webpage from the at least one keyword to the selected video file; and displaying the selected video file when the link is activated; wherein the yield optimization algorithm dynamically modifies the prioritization of the plurality of video files associated with the at least one keyword.
 2. The method for associating video content of claim 1, wherein the determining step involves parsing the webpage to determine whether the at least one keyword is present in the webpage.
 3. The method for associating video content of claim 1, wherein the displaying step includes providing a video player to display the at least one video file.
 4. The method for associating video content of claim 3, wherein the video player is shown as an overlay to the webpage.
 5. The method for associating video content of claim 3, wherein the video player displays a plurality of video files.
 6. The method for associating video content of claim 3, wherein the video player displays an advertisement.
 7. The method for associating video content of claim 1, wherein the at least one video file includes an advertisement.
 8. The method for associating video content of claim 7, wherein the advertisement is a pre-roll advertisement displayed prior to the display of the at least one video file.
 9. The method for associating video content of claim 8, wherein the step of creating the link occurs contemporaneously with the downloading of the webpage onto the user computer.
 10. The method for associating video content of claim 1, wherein the tracked user data includes whether the link to the at least one video file was activated.
 11. The method for associating video content of claim 1, wherein the tracked user data includes how long the at least one video file was played.
 12. The method for associating video content of claim 1, wherein the step of creating the link is modified based on the tracked user data collected.
 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising: displaying the modified webpage to the user computer; and displaying the selected video file on the modified webpage when the link is activated by clicking on the link, or by a mouse-over of the link.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the webpage is modified synchronously with the rendering of the webpage on the user computer display.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the webpage is modified a period of time following rendering of the webpage on the user computer display.
 16. A system for video content association, the system comprising: a plurality of video files stored in a database; and a video association controller configured to execute instructions, via a processor, to: receive a request for video content association when a webpage containing textual content related to a topic is requested for display; determine whether the webpage contains at least one keyword using the textual content and a keyword association list created in accordance with a yield optimization algorithm; identify a priority ranking of video files associated with the at least one keyword based on tracked user data associated with the video files; select a video file having a highest priority ranking based on the tracked user data; and modify the webpage by creating a link on the webpage from the at least one keyword to the selected video file; wherein the yield optimization algorithm dynamically modifies the prioritization of the video files associated with the at least one keyword.
 17. The system for video content association of claim 16, wherein the video association controller is enabled to provide a video player to display the selected video file on the user computer when the link is activated.
 18. The system for video content association of claim 16, further comprising a keyword association list stored in the database relating to the webpage, wherein the video association controller is enabled to access the keyword association list to determine whether the webpage contains the at least one keyword.
 19. The system for video content association of claim 16, further comprising a content parser to parse the webpage for the at least one keyword.
 20. A method for tracking video content relevancy, the method comprising the following operations performed by at least one processor: displaying a webpage containing textual content related to a topic in a browser; dynamically modifying the displayed webpage by creating a plurality of keyword links on the webpage to a plurality of video files associated with the plurality of keywords using a keyword association list created in accordance with a yield optimization algorithm; displaying one of the plurality of video files when the corresponding one of the plurality of keyword links is activated; tracking user data by monitoring which of the plurality of keyword links is activated; assigning priority ranking to each of the plurality of video files based on the tracked user data; and dynamically updating the plurality of keyword links on the webpage based on the assigned priority rankings of the video files by modifying the prioritization of the plurality of video files using the yield optimization algorithm.
 21. The method for tracking video content relevancy of claim 20, wherein a first video file from the plurality of video files with a low relevancy score is eliminated from association with the plurality of keyword links. 